Tag Archives: Gospel Questions

THE LORD: Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me.

HOLLY: What?!

Peter knocked down Heidi’s tower, so she knocked him down. Looks like temptation and sin to me!

This scripture didn’t seem right, so I studied the doctrine of the special status of children. I am amazed at how much I learned, which was enough to motivate me to treat my children differently. Do you remember when President Packer said that a study of doctrine changes behavior faster than a study of behavior changes behavior? He was speaking about how we treat little children!

The Guide to the Scriptures says that temptation is “A test of a person’s ability to choose good instead of evil; an enticement to sin and follow Satan instead of God.” Satan offers a choice (which is wrong, but the child hasn’t truly internalized that yet.) If the child makes that choice, she did not make it knowing she would be following Satan. Temptation is not “the desire to do something wrong.” I’m pretty sure children have the desire to do something wrong. But it is not sin because they didn’t know who was offering it. Little children cannot sin. (Mosiah 3:16)

Have you ever tried to get small children to say they are sorry? Little children cannot repent. (Mormon 8:19.) If you ask my Peter a question, he always answers, “Yeah.” If you ask him which of two he wants, he always chooses the second. Do you feel Godly sorrow for your sins? Yeah. Are you glad you committed them? Yeah. Do you want to follow God or Satan? Satan. Do you want to follow Satan, or God? God.

Lawrence Kohlberg theorized that humans progress through six stages of morality. Most adults are in stage three or stage four and small children are in stage one. Stage one people just try to avoid punishment. Wrong is what will get you punished. (Infants haven’t even gotten this far.) Stage three and four dwellers do right and avoid wrong to preserve social order. However, I believe that godly sorrow doesn’t come into play until stage six, which uses universal ethical principles. Stage six people do right because it is right, and they avoid wrong because it is wrong. Kohlberg said that he found it difficult to find people who consistently operated at this level. If many adults never get here, to stage six, it is pretty unreasonable to think my three year old should. If repentance requires godly sorrow, and children aren’t fully capable of it, they are not capable of repentance, either. (What does this say for adults who don’t get to stage six? I don’t know. I think that gospel teaching pushes people higher in the stages of morality. Also, maybe part of repentance is climbing up to stage six in a certain behavior.)

In mortality, and especially before the advent of modern medicine, infancy and childhood are extremely dangerous. (I think) God has decided which spirits will die as infants or as children. But this means that God has chosen which spirits will grow up enough be able to repent, and therefore be saved. This doesn’t make sense, at least without the Atonement. “Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God” (D&C:93:38). God is not a respecter of persons. (Mormon 8:12)

Little children can do bad things, but they are not accountable before God for them. They are accountable to their mothers, though. I know which principles I have taught my children, and I know about how well each understands them, and I estimate what behavior I should be able to expect. If my children give me less than that, I can hold them accountable. However, if I cannot deal with the bad behavior without exhibiting it myself, it’s better that they get away with it–they are not accountable before God. If I stop kids from yelling by yelling myself, what have I accomplished? I have now sinned, and they have not. And if my words say, “You should not yell,” but my yelling tone of voice says, “You should yell like I do,” what will that teach? Actions speak louder than words.

And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. (D&C 93:39)

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19)

Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. (Moroni 8:10)

Moroni 8:8: “The curse of Adam is taken from them in me.” What is the curse of Adam? It has to be something that was given to Adam but taken from little children. I hypothesize that when knowledge of good and evil was given to Adam (and Eve) they also received accountability, or responsibility. This is a curse, because Adam would inevitably sin, and thus inevitably would be cut off from God. “Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man” (D&C 93:31).

When, during their first eight years, they take bite after bite of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (or when they start learning through experience right from wrong) they assume the curse of Adam.

But I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins. (Mosiah 3:16)

I am cursed, because mortality ensures that I will fail (preschooler + toddler + pregnant with #3=crabby). However I am blessed because of the mercies of my Savior.

When Boyd K Packer spoke to those who needed to be kinder to small children, he said it was possible to change:

It is contrary to the order of heaven for any soul to be locked into compulsive, immoral behavior with no way out!

It is consistent with the workings of the adversary to deceive you into believing that you are.

I student taught in a first grade classroom in Provo, Utah. (It was awesome.) One day something normal happened, but which the Lord recently brought to my remembrance to teach me something.

We were doing a measurement lesson. Everyone got rulers. These rulers came in lots of different colors, and I was handing them out. Everyone got their own! Don’t I rock as a teacher?

Nope. They all wanted a yellow one. I think one of the cool kids got a yellow one and made a big deal about it, and then it became a Thing. The Yellow One.

You know what happens with children and scarce resources. Okay, you know what happens with humans and scarce resources. Some kids were seriously upset that they got a blue one or a red one.

Kids and colors. I don’t know why kids fixate on that one characteristic of objects in their world. They should have been way more concerned about whether that first tick mark was at the end of the ruler, and whether they had to remember to line the object up with the tick mark and not the end of the ruler. Or they should have been worrying about whether their ruler had the metal edge that makes line-drawing awesome. Or whether they had both metric and English marks. Or whether their ruler was accurate. Or whether they had unit conversions printed on one side. Or whether it was bendy or folding.

I, as the teacher, knew what these objects are for. They are for teaching young minds how to quantify a particular observation of an object in the physical world; this knowledge is foundational to science. The kids were right; some characteristics of rulers are important. But they just picked the wrong one.

Put yourself in their shoes (which you may or may not know how to tie yet). The teacher begins distributing resources. A peer is given one (a ruler). You don’t know what it’s for. They express joy in their possession (which happens to be a yellow ruler). You get a resource that is different than your peer’s (a red one). Since it is not what they expressed joy at, you ask why, and if you can have one of those too. The teacher communicates that you have everything you need to learn the lesson (how to measure things). But you disagree, and you refuse to participate in the learning activity where you think you will look inferior.

I’ve been studying gender roles in the gospel again, and it’s driving me crazy because it is hard to understand. As I prayed for direction, I remembered this experience in my first grade classroom. The Lord built upon it for me, as follows.

The Teacher begins distributing resources (gender roles). A peer is given one (The Priesthood). You don’t know what it’s for. They express joy in their possession (which happens to serve greater numbers of people). You get an object that is different than your peer’s (motherhood and sisterhood). Since it is not what your peer expressed joy at, do you ask why? Do you ask if you can have one too? When you do, the teacher communicates that you have everything you need to learn the lesson (Christlike service). Do you refuse to participate in the learning activity (the Church) where you think you will look inferior?

Numbers of People Served is a characteristic of gender roles that we could measure, if we wished. Is this characteristic important to Jesus?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these mybrethren, ye have done it unto me.

Whether we serve the least number of people or the people with the least social status (women and children), we are still serving Christ. Does that parenthetical element offend you? It should. Who said that women and children have low status? Who said that serving “just them” is a step down? Is that how Christ felt? No, the children were the ones that he called to come closer. Jesus revealed himself as a resurrected being to a woman first.

It is a conversation between the General presidents of the Relief Society, the Young Women, and the Primary. The three women shared how they are involved in the decision making process of the church. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles use the council system, and there are women on those councils. The opinions and ideas and suggestions and revelation of women are shared and listened to. Before watching this video, I thought the Quorum of the Twelve had an exclusive Boys-only club where they made all the decisions for the whole church. Counseling with Our Councils is a book by Elder M. Russell Ballard on the correct process of councils. He describes a wonderful balance between respecting leadership roles, hearing the ideas of all, and unitedly coming to a decision.

When I was at BYU, I lived in a singles’ ward that really embraced the council system. Everyone in the ward did not have a specific calling. Some did. Some were the Relief Society President(s), some were the Elders’ Quorum President(s), pianists, choristers, … that’s all I can think of. The rest were either a chair of a council or a co-chair, or a member of the council. At one point I was on the Friendship Council, then the Temple and Family History Council, then the Home Evening Council. Individual councils would meet together. Once a month the council chairs, co-chairs, and a member of the council would go to a meeting with the bishopric and all the other chairs. It might have been Ward Council. It was awesome. Women and men had equal voice, women or men could be chairs of councils, members on the committee had more voice and more responsibility.

For example, the members of the Music council would together decide on things like choirs, choristers, pianists, musical numbers, hymn selections, etc. Burdens were shared and individually chosen.

I always felt like I had exactly enough to do, because I helped determine that. I always felt listened to. I always felt important to the ward.

I recently read of a study where they found that women naturally participate less in a group of which they are the minority. There are a few things leaders can do to change this (invite more women, or rule that decisions must be unanimous). But also, women themselves can understand this tendency and consciously overcome it. There is nothing in the doctrine of the church that says that women should be seen and not heard. Be heard!

This church is the best place in the world to be a woman. This is because the doctrine of the church allows us to be women. Other sources tell us to be more like men. Sometimes more like children. How can we find joy and fulfillment in that?

“I’m sorry, ladies, that your bodies and minds are uniquely suited to creating and nurturing children, but you shouldn’t do that. You should feel embarrassed about that role. You should only fill that role if you are no good at anything else. You should only fill it after you have done everything else on the planet you can think to do. You should only do it part-time. And you really should not love it.”

Is that what you hear? And do you find joy and fulfillment in following it?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints boldly teaches this doctrine: “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward… Happy is the man that hath a quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed.” This scripture is from the Bible. All those who believe the Bible should wholeheartedly proclaim it too. Many don’t… because it’s not popular. (But when has the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ever cared if it is popular or not?)

The leader of our women, Julie Beck, said some pretty controversial things about motherhood. Take a look.

Mothers who know desire to bear children. Whereas in many cultures in the world children are “becoming less valued,”in the culture of the gospel we still believe in having children. Prophets, seers, and revelators who were sustained at this conference have declared that “God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.”President Ezra Taft Benson taught that young couples should not postpone having children and that “in the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels.” …Faithful daughters of God desire children. (Mothers Who Know, Julie B. Beck, October 2007 General Conference).

Lots of people had a problem with this. They seemed to say that possessions, positions, and prestige were our greatest jewels. But where, outside of the home, will your name be praised for generations? Where, outside the home, can you help people who need you more?

People really should create the same sort of hubbub around William Ross Wallace… I mean, didn’t he also imply that the only place for women is in the home?

Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Infancy’s the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mother’s first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow–
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Woman, how divine your mission
Here upon our natal sod!
Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky–
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Such repressive filth. How dare he downplay the other roles that women play. How could he forget about the women who work outside of the home because they are forced to? And why didn’t he say that men should help with the chores too? This man does not know what he is talking about.

Have you heard that LDS women are repressed by their leaders? Here is one of our leaders, speaking about us in a talk entitled “LDS Women are Incredible.”

Author and historian Wallace Stegner wrote about the Mormon migration and gathering to the Salt Lake Valley. He did not accept our faith and in many ways was critical; nevertheless, he was impressed with the devotion and heroism of our early Church members, especially the women. He stated, “Their women were incredible.” I echo that sentiment today. Our Latter-day Saint women are incredible!

Women are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves them. Wives are equal to their husbands. Marriage requires a full partnership where wives and husbands work side by side to meet the needs of the family.

The priesthood leadership of this Church at all levels gratefully acknowledges the service, sacrifice, commitment, and contribution of the sisters. (Quentin L. Cook, LDS Women are Incredible, April 2011 General Conference)

The church is the best place to be a woman because our leaders love and praise us. They recognize our special contributions and express their appreciation every time they turn around.

Here is another of our leaders, Spencer W. Kimball, who was the President of the Church from 1973 to 1985, speaking about us as well.

I marvel at the faithfulness of so many of our sisters and their unswerving devotion to the cause of righteousness…

Someday, when the whole story of this and previous dispensations is told, it will be filled with courageous stories of our women, of their wisdom and their devotion, their courage…

The place of woman in the Church is to walk beside the man, not in front of him nor behind him. In the Church there is full equality between man and woman. The gospel … was devised by the Lord for men and women alike.

Sometimes we hear disturbing reports about how sisters are treated. Perhaps when this happens, it is a result of insensitivity and thoughtlessness, but it should not be, brethren. The women of this Church have work to do which, though different, is equally as important as the work that we do.

The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife. (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball. Chapter 20: The Women of the Church)

I know I’m young and only have one child, but it seems to me that we are NOT being repressed.

Why? Many reasons… but a new one occurred to me today. It teaches about salvation. Works or Grace? Both.

the church of JESUS CHRIST of latter-day SAINTS.

We believe in Jesus Christ; we worship Jesus Christ. We have Him in our thoughts, we say His name in every prayer. Our dearest hope is to be like Him and be near Him.

Next, He told us to be saints. He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” “Be ye perfect.” “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Works do not save us, Jesus saves us. All the works in the world can never erase a sin; Jesus erases sin. But can we really ignore him when he says to keep his commandments?

We are not just the Church of Jesus Christ, and we are not just the Church of Latter-Day Saints. We need both parts in our name. And every time we say that full name, we teach others about what it takes to be saved. Worth nine words, no?

I want to be a temple worker. I have some temple-worker friends, and they love their time in the temple. They say that they gain so much understanding. They say they bring the Spirit home every week. They say they find so much peace in the House of the Lord. I wanted that for me.

So I told my bishop and he started the paperwork. I went in and a member of the Stake Presidency interviewed me, and mailed my papers in. Then I got a letter in the mail with a number I should call to make an appointment. So I did! And then I got an appointment and I went in there and I waited outside the temple presidents office and then he invited me in. He asked me to tell him about myself. As soon as “I have a four-month-old daughter” escaped my lips, the whole process screeched to a halt. His face revealed conflicting feelings and I could see him forming an apology.

The First Presidency has given counsel that mothers of young children should not be temple workers. I have a young child, so I was not given a shift or a name tag or a tour. Instead, I was given a compassionate goodbye.

What the heck, right?

Wrong.

All moms are temple workers! I don’t have to be a temple worker to work in the House of the Lord.

From the Bible Dictionary:

Temple: A temple is literally a house of the Lord…. A place where the Lord may come, it is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth. Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.

Hmm.

Temple workers keep things clean. They cook meals. They do laundry. They clean floors. They dust. They wash windows. They give the people what they need. They guide them. They smile at people. They enable the people to feel the Spirit. They help them take the steps toward exaltation.

Are we still talking about temple workers?

And in Doctrine and Covenants 109, I’m confused again, whether we are talking about the home or the temple:

Thanks be to thy name, O Lord God of Israel…. Thou who has commanded thy servants to build a house to thy name in this place… And now we ask thee… to accept of this house…. that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people…

And as thou hast said in a revelation…

And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wosdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith; Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of flory, a house of order, a house of God.

Accept the house that it may be

sanctified and consecrated to by holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in this house; And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord’s house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou has sanctified it…

And do thou grant, Holy Father,

that all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wosdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou has said; and that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing

And we ask thee, Holy Father,

that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy flory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them, and from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, until the ends of the earth.

How do we make our house like this one? You know this answer. You create the environment where the Spirit be. Put pictures of Christ and temples on your wall. Remove inappropriate media. Play uplifting music. Keep your house clean and in order. Have a good attitude. Help the people of the house feel comfortable there. Read scriptures and pray together every day. (New stuff? No.)

My name is Holly.

I graduated from BYU in elementary education. Now I teach three students, my preschooler daughter and my toddling son, and my infant son. I'm passionate about motherhood, family history, and building the kingdom. Allow me to share my thoughts with you!